Should You Use a Bank or a Broker for a Mortgage Loan?

Since mortgage rates have been dropping to the lowest levels we’ve seen in 2019, buying a new home has been added to many people’s to-do list this Spring. And part of that process is securing a mortgage loan with a reliable lender.

The most common way to get a mortgage loan is through a bank, but another way some people choose is using a mortgage broker.

A mortgage broker is someone who acts as an intermediary between the banks and the borrower. Think of them as an independent salesperson working for several different lending institutions. Many borrowers find them attractive because they can submit a loan application to multiple lenders and see which one comes back with the best deal. This method is especially appealing to borrowers with low credit scores or income issues.

Banks, on the other hand, work on your loan from start to finish, creating a more streamlined process and faster closing times. Fees are usually either lower or nonexistent when compared to a broker. In 2009, HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) created a study on the closing costs of FHA loans, and they found that brokered loans were more expensive by about $425.

If you have credit problems or don’t have the time to shop around for a mortgage loan, using a broker may be the right solution for you. But if you prefer to work with one entity from start to finish, and you want to close in a reasonable time, using a mortgage bank is the way to go.

If you have questions on how to get the loan that makes the most sense for you, contact a mortgage specialist at NASB at 855-465-0753 or click here.